Edith Jane (Yates) Riffe

Edith Jane (Yates) Riffe of Crab Orchard, passed away at her home on March 28, at the age of 89, after being in the tender care of her family for almost a year. Her loving daughter, Jane Lynn Harless, and granddaughter, Nancy Jane Landy were at her side when she left this world to go to a better place.

She was born in Lester, West Virginia on December 24, 1930, to the late Fred C. and Frances (Raynes) Yates. Her family moved to Buffalo, West Virginia and lived there until they moved to Crab Orchard when she was 13. Edith Jane graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1948, and in December of that year married Willard Preston “Bud” Riffe, Jr. They were married for over 40 years until Bud passed away suddenly in 1989. Theirs was a wonderful, loving relationship.

Edith Jane was an active member of the Crab Orchard Baptist Church for over 75 years where she served in numerous leadership positions and committees. As a member of the Board of Trustees she was most proud of the decision to add the church gymnasium which has proven to be a tremendous draw for young people, keeping the church vibrant. For many years she was a volunteer at the Beckley VA Hospital where she was once recognized as “Volunteer of the Year”. In the 1990s she served with the West Virginia American Baptist Women’s Mission at the state level. But most people will remember Edith Jane for the many years she sang in the choir and for her solos at church services, cantatas, weddings, and funerals. Her voice was truly God given.

In addition to her parents and husband, Edith Jane was preceded in death by brother, Ray Yates, and sister, Fayanna (Yates) McCray.

She is survived by daughter, Jane Lynn (Riffe) Harless (Edward) of Crab Orchard, son, James Ray (Jim) Riffe (Becky) of Noblesville, IN, and son, John David Riffe (Angie) of Graham, NC . Grandchildren include Nancy Jane (Harless) Landy (Paul), Eddie Harless, Daniel Riffe (Andrea), Tyler Riffe (Bethany), Preston Riffe, Victoria Riffe, Nathan Brown (Amber),and Alex Brown. She was blessed with great grandchildren, Madison Harless, Emma Harless, Ella Harless, Carson Riffe, Adelyn Riffe, Aubrey Riffe, and Jackson Riffe. She is also survived by sister in law and dear friend, Hopie (Martin) Yates.

Edith Jane loved the Crab Orchard Baptist Church choir and the family is grateful that she was made to feel so loved and appreciated by them, even in her advanced years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Crab Orchard Baptist Choir (in memory of Edith Jane), PO Box 446, Crab Orchard, WV 25827.

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